634 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Whatever difficulties and complexities have arisen are due to a genuine attempt to harmonise the two opposing views—on the one hand the ancient idea that marriage cannot be easily severed and on the other the modern ideas which demand separation under certain circumstances. The problem now is how to bring about a synthesis between the two opposing views. Let us approach the consideration of this problem with a certain amount of coolness and with an attempt to understand one another. We cannot stop the current, whatever might be our views. I belong to a very conservative and very orthodox family. I am one of those who believe still in Shradhas. I attach considerable importance to my family home and I believe, to some extent, in the ancient view of life. But I cannot at the same time ignore the present day tendency. My sons may not be just like myself and my grandsons much less like myself. Under those circumstances, though my life is rooted in the past, to a very great extent I am in a position to appreciate modern tendency. Therefore, taking all these factors into consideration let us approach the consideration of this measure. If really you believe in sacramental marriage, this method of converting sacramental marriage easily into a civil marriage, somehow does not appeal to me. That is my view. Either have sacramental marriage or do not have it at all. Have particular grounds of divorce for sacramental marriage and particular grounds of divorce for civil marriage. Somehow I cannot reconcile myself to the idea of mixing up the two.
Now, I shall take up the chapter on adoption. The chapter on adoption does not call for any detailed consideration. While the main principle in regard to the law of adoption laid down by the judicial decisions bearing upon the subject have been kept in view, necessary changes have been effected as a consequence of changes in the law as to marriage between persons belonging to different castes. There is no point in conceding the rights of inheritance to the offspring of such marriages and retaining ancient rules as to the eligibility of a boy for adoption based upon the law of marriage as a condition precedent for the validity of adoption in particular castes and particular circumstances. The simple rule as to giving and receiving has accordingly been adopted for a valid adoption in the Bill. The property rights have been regulated with a view to avoid litigation between adoptive mother and the boy to be adopted. A provision has been inserted for preventing the divesting of estates which will have the effect of putting an end to interminable litigation which has been the special feature of law relating to adoption beginning from Bhuban Moyee’s case. The law has also been simplified in regard to the need